I'm having a little trouble understanding why you think this is Obama's fault. Aren't you and the tea party folks interested in less government? Don't you think that the Oil companies involved are responsible for this, and should fix this? Do you think that the government could fix this if it wanted to but won't?

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Is beannaithe iad a shantaíonn an ceartas(Blessed are those who desire justice)

I think all of the federal govt cronyism (including all past administrations and this current one) need to be taken to the woodshed on this one.

I'm just frustrated w/the regs and what appears to be lack of action by this administration. I'm more angry with all of the administrations though...allowing MMS to operate in a way that disregarded our safety.

They can talk all they want...the D's say the R's do this and the R's say the D's do that....ugh...and we fall for it defending our "teams" staunchly. Goodness sakes, as if we didn't have enough evidence already that demonstrates neither party does the right thing. We need to look at individuals and vote these men/women out!

I know it is too idealistic to believe we can eradicate cronyism or infidelity of office--but perhaps we can start to make a dent in the glaring issues. I sound like a broken record don't I? Sorry....

I'm having a little trouble understanding why you think this is Obama's fault. Aren't you and the tea party folks interested in less government? Don't you think that the Oil companies involved are responsible for this, and should fix this? Do you think that the government could fix this if it wanted to but won't?

Yes we want less government. But we also expect that smaller government to be less bureaucratic and that common sense is the rule not the exception.

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MacEAKASteve Ewing

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25

"Non sibi sed patriae!"

Reviresco (I grow strong again) Clan MacEwen motto

Audaciter (Audacity)My Ewing Family Motto(descendants of Baron William Ewing of Glasgow, born about 1630)

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Abraham Lincoln

I'm having a little trouble understanding why you think this is Obama's fault. Aren't you and the tea party folks interested in less government? Don't you think that the Oil companies involved are responsible for this, and should fix this? Do you think that the government could fix this if it wanted to but won't?

It was not "his" until he announced that he was in charge from day one. A very stupid thing to do. It indicated that he had no idea what was happening. He still has not a clue. This is the second spill in deep water. The mexicans had one some years ago and it eventually lost pressure it's self. Because of gulf currents the contamination affected just an isolated though lengthly stretch of the mexican coast. That probably is what will happen here which means another two years of this.

I never said I wanted him in charge. In fact he is about the last person I would pick to be in charge.

Polls show that the majority are not pleased with his (because he said it was his) handling of this.

Not only the Tea Party but many disillusioned D's now want smaller govt.

We have already discussed what he could have done in another topic so you might review that.

Remember the senate candidate, "Greene" who beat a long time D. It happened because the D's were tired of the same old lies. Greene actually said nothing, did nothing and won. Many found that refreshing.

I understand the President (you know the guy, the one that said he is focused on the oil spill "like a laser beam", or words to that effect) is headed to Las Vegas to hang out with, and campaign for "Hotel Harry" Reid. In the mean time people have been sent to see Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser to try and stop him from "bad mouthing" the administration (aka: telling the truth) like this:

Yes we want less government. But we also expect that smaller government to be less bureaucratic and that common sense is the rule not the exception.

I agree with wdorholt and would point out the strangely disproportionate attributing of blame here. The government's size is not the issue in handling the oil spill, its a combination of lack of contingency planning, overconfidence in its own systems, and an inadequate degree and speed of response by BP. The government is not in the oil business and doesn't stockpile ships and equipment solely for the purpose of handing spills like an oil company would. Obama's rhetoric notwithstanding, this is a private corporate responsibility and always has been. The role of government from the beginning was to put as much pressure as possible and render aid as needed. Why didn't BP put out a call to other oil companies for additional assets? They're in over their heads.

MacE - I sympathise with your sentiments sir, but they're naive. Governments generally don't give up power for an ideal, bureaucrats are equally jealous of their own little fiefdoms, and common sense is an exception for most of us humans irrespective of our status and occupation. Look at the world.

Jillian - I sympathise with you too, but how do you expect that a changing of the guard will result in a changing of entrenched institutions to a degree as significant as you imagine? Is that realistic? Yes you are idealistic. They're nice hopes, but voting in new Congresspeople with the expectation for great change and limited government is as realistic as expecting the entire medical system to change because you replace doctors. Square pegs fit into square holes in Washington, and although the left/right leanings of Congress fluctuate, the size of government and its influence and involvement do not.

I agree with wdorholt and would point out the strangely disproportionate attributing of blame here. The government's size is not the issue in handling the oil spill, its a combination of lack of contingency planning, overconfidence in its own systems, and an inadequate degree and speed of response by BP. --Antwn

I believe in equitable blame here! I believe 1/3 of the blame lies with BP, a 1/3 with the administration's handling of the spill, and a 1/3 government regulators (MMS) not doing their job...for many many years (which would include many adminisrations for not ensuring regulatory agencies are acting in good faith).

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Jillian - I sympathise with you too, but how do you expect that a changing of the guard will result in a changing of entrenched institutions to a degree as significant as you imagine? Is that realistic? Yes you are idealistic. They're nice hopes, but voting in new Congresspeople with the expectation for great change and limited government is as realistic as expecting the entire medical system to change because you replace doctors. Square pegs fit into square holes in Washington, and although the left/right leanings of Congress fluctuate, the size of government and its influence and involvement do not. --Anwn

If we don't at least make a statement at the polls, then we are apathetic. I have confronted my idealism (1st step is admitting there's a problem!) and do not expect miracles, but I do cling to the hope that we can effect positive change in at least some things.

If we don't at least make a statement at the polls, then we are apathetic. I have confronted my idealism (1st step is admitting there's a problem!) and do not expect miracles, but I do cling to the hope that we can effect positive change in at least some things.

I agree. I wasn't advocating total inaction, just not harboring unrealistic expectations, and you already know that so I'll shutup.

First step is to admit the problem? Sounds like you've joined a 12 step group for idealists: "Hi my name is Jillian and I'm an idealist" "Hi Jillian"

I agree with wdorholt and would point out the strangely disproportionate attributing of blame here. The government's size is not the issue in handling the oil spill, its a combination of lack of contingency planning, overconfidence in its own systems, and an inadequate degree and speed of response by BP.

The size of government IS the issue! OSHA says the clean up crews can only work 20 min. of each hour. That IS NOT working! Get OSHA out of the picture, PERIOD! If the poor babys can't work 2-3 hours without a break, I'm POSITIVE there are people who will. Corps of Engineers and DOE won't let the states and parishes do ANYTHING to stop oil from getting to the shore! Get them THE HELL out of the picture! YES, the size of government has EVERYTHING to do with this. Get ALL of the Fed beaurocrats out of the picture, and let the people THERE deal with the problem.The FEDS are forking it up with their red tape and are doing NOTHING! PERIOD! The states affected have a MUCH better handle on what needs to be done. The FEDS need to keep an eye on BP and just give the STATES the funds and resources to deal with this. Our Administration is a group of fools LEAD by a BIGGER fool! He doesn't have a clue, and his ADVISORS are even worse!